I don’t know why everyone is so hooked on prepared, pre-frozen, drive-thru crap either. Although Jason frequently reminds me that economics has a lot to do with how food $ is spent and clearly he’s got some valid points. Fresh fruits and veggies are pricier than frozen – or some prepared concoction – found canned or in the frozen food aisle. It’s also true, I am single and just cooking for one. Some (other single people) would say it’s too much trouble/hassle to cook for one, and that's why they eat the way they do. Others (people with families) claim their schedules/family member’s taste buds won’t allow them to do anything but the most quick/bland/salt ridden-one-dimensional menu preparations.

I say we’ve fed people such crap food for so long, they're unable to taste/appreciate good, economical, easy-to-prepare food.

· Why mash the garlic with egg and salt? To make a garlic-infused paste that adds body and substance to the tomato broth.· Use kosher salt to bring out the flavors of the vegetables.· Try to chop the vegetables so that they're small but not minced or pulverized, and don't worry if the sizes aren't uniform. The pieces should be small enough to chew but big enough to recognize.

Happy Food Wednesday everyone!

ps: It was a quiet night last night. Or, I slept through it all after I went to bed at 9:30!

pps: If you don't know what I'm talking about - read the post below this one, I've posted twice today!